Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1887-07-14
RAMRLEs ABOUT EuRopE.
From England to Egypt Especially for
the Eagle.
NO. x.

i NO. x.
| LoKnoN, June 25th. 1887.
Associated with my earliest recollection
of English history is the Tower Of London
Some eight centuries ago William the Con
querer began to rear the walls of thi
gloomy pile to serve him both as Fcrtres
and Palace. In the ages that had elapset
since it became citadel, no foreign foe ha
attempted the capture. Civil war has ragged
around it, and within its walls, as fercely
as the rude passions of the race could b
aroused, In the troublesome days that bese
old England either through patriotism o.
lust of power. suppose there has mo-
been an hour in all that time that the sen
try's tread has not echoed along its paved
court yards. It's pastern gate has opened
at the behest of king to usher in blush.
ing bride, and from the terrets Of its
towers havs been witnessed the execution
of that fair bride three years after, at the
instigation of her own iege lord. Its fes-
tive halo have rung with laughter from the
midnight carousal Of couriers, and the pri-
son walls listened to the deep groans of in
nocent men and women condemned to
death Within its Chapel repose the
dust of the martyred Lady Jane
Gray of the blood Royal
and the i'll starred Anne Boleyn and
Catharine Howard, both wives of King
Henry VIII, bebeaded on trumped up
charges of unfaithfulness to that cratic
monarch, are buried in close proximity.
In the great hall of the palace, King John,
of France, a prisoner of war, performed
the Lordly act of entertaining the English
king and all his courtiers at his own expense.
From here Queen Elizabeth rode to
Westminster Abbey to be crowned, in as
great state as Queen Victoria proceeded
few days since from Buckingham Palace
to the self same spot
Here is gloomy archway called the
traitors gate through which has passed
many suspected state prisoner, Well
might have been written on its key stone
the words of Dante: HI who enters
here leaves all hope behind" Close by is
the Bloody Tower where tradition says
Richard III caused to be smothered the
youthful sons of Edward ". This is bat
a partial epitome of events that have trans
pired ages ago, and may not interest you,
so will proceed briefly to describe some of
the relics and articles of great value that
are kept for safety and convenience as well
as for profit in the tower at the present time
Ascending a stairway we were ushered
into strong room in the Wakefield Tower
where are stored the regalia and crown
Jewels exhibited in huge glass, dome
shaped case Here is the crown Of Queen
Victoria described as follows: ga cap of
purple velvet is enclosed in hoops Of silver,
by ball and cross, all of
which are Respondent with diamonds. In
the center of the cross Is the inestimable |
and in front of the crown is the |
heart-shaped ruby, said to have been worn
by the Black Prince" There is St. Ed
wards crown, made of gold, and and gilt !
tering with precious stones, the Prince of |
Wales crown of pure gold, but no jewels,
the Ancient Queens crown, used in coro
nation used for the queens concerts, not |
very expensive crown by the way, and
lastly the queens diadem, richly adorned
with large diamonds and pearls. This was |
made for the wife Of James II. This case |
also contains amongst other articles of |
priceless value, a baptismal font used at
The christening of the royal children and
vessel etc, used at the coronation |
Besides, there are numerous sceptres
adorned with precious stones. In other
cases are exhibited the regalia and badges
If different orders. such as the Order of |
he Thistle-a collar, badge and star-the
Victoria Cross, Order of the Garter, and |
20 on.
Being surfeited by the sight of so much
wealth and magnifcence. we leave this and
gend our way to the white tower.
At the front of the stairs leading to the
yreat tower is the reputed burial place of
he murdered princess, and ascending sew
raj flights Of stairs we enter what is termed
The Horse Armory," which appears to be
museum containing all manner of ancient
amour for man or horse, artistically ar
anged in complete suite of dumml es, Civ
ng one correct Idea of the manner In
which they were worn when in use in an
lent times. I have observed one thing in
london, which is this: Anything which
> gotten up for show is on grand scale;
he fact is, there seems to be too much of
The eye wearies Of it and the
eet grow tired even bafore the curiosity is
ully satiated. One might suppose that
alf a dozen samples of plated and woven
rmour would be sufficient to
ell the tale: but no, there
5 large room full of it, and another room
ull of weapons. swords. spears and guns of
very conceivable style and manufacture
There are many ancient relics here of war
Ike character which it would take many
ages to describe. Here is the identical cloak
n which General Wolfe expired in the mo-
nent of victory at Quebec in 1873, uni
orm worn by the Duke of Wellington
yhen constable of the Tower, a beheading
lock with Just three cuts in it suggestive